Award Winning Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Name: Award Winning Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 Tablespoons Butter, Unsalted, Divided Use; 2 cups Fresh Bread Crumbs, See Note Below; 1/4 cups Parmesan Cheese; 16 ounces, weight Elbow Macaroni; 1 Tablespoon Salt; 1 clove Garlic, Minced; 2 teaspoons Dry Mustard, Dissolved In 2 Teaspoons Water; 1/4 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper; 2 teaspoons Nutmeg (freshly Grated Is Best); 6 Tablespoons Flour, All Purpose; 3- 1/2 cups Whole Milk; 1 can Low Sodium Chicken Broth (14.5 Oz); 1 pound Colby Or Colby Jack Cheese, Shredded; 8 ounces, weight Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded; Black Pepper, Ground

Servings: persons

8 Tablespoons Butter, Unsalted, Divided Use
2 cups Fresh Bread Crumbs, See Note Below
1/4 cups Parmesan Cheese
16 ounces, weight Elbow Macaroni
1 Tablespoon Salt
1 clove Garlic, Minced
2 teaspoons Dry Mustard, Dissolved In 2 Teaspoons Water
1/4 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
2 teaspoons Nutmeg (freshly Grated Is Best)
6 Tablespoons Flour, All Purpose
3- 1/2 cups Whole Milk
1 can Low Sodium Chicken Broth (14.5 Oz)
1 pound Colby Or Colby Jack Cheese, Shredded
8 ounces, weight Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
Black Pepper, Ground

1
1.
2
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Melt 2 Tablespoons of the butter and toss with the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
3
Set aside.
4
2.
5
Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
6
Be sure to add 1 Tablespoon of salt to the cooking water.
7
Drain macaroni and leave in the colander, setting aside.
8
3.
9
Wipe the pot dry, add the remaining 6 Tablespoons butter and melt over medium heat.
10
Stir in the garlic, dry mustard, cayenne and nutmeg and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
11
4.
12
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking continuously.
13
Slowly whisk in the milk and broth.
14
Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking often about 6 minutes, until mixture is slightly thickened.
15
5.
16
Take off heat and whisk in the Colby and cheddar cheese until completely melted.
17
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
18
Stir in the macaroni, breaking up any clumps, until well combined.
19
6.
20
Pour into a 13X9 buttered baking dish.
21
Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
22
Lightly dust with paprika for color, if desired.
23
Bake until golden brown and bubbling around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes.
24
Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
25
Can be made ahead and refrigerated.
26
Do not add breadcrumbs until right before baking.
27
Remove from the fridge and allow to sit 1 hour at room temperature before baking.
28
Bread Crumbs ~ use good quality white bread (Pepperidge Farm Soft Hearty White is best); tear 2 pieces into quarters and pulse in food processor 8 or 9 times for course crumbs.
29
Add butter and parmesan mid way through pulsing.

1207

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 Tablespoons Butter, Unsalted, Divided Use, 2 cups Fresh Bread Crumbs, See Note Below, 1/4 cups Parmesan Cheese, 16 ounces, weight Elbow Macaroni, and more.

Yes, Award Winning Macaroni and Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Award Winning Macaroni and Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions